Wife of Former HSPA Director Dead at 86

0
68

Marcia Ellen (Huston) Cardwell, Indianapolis, passed away March 8, 2017. She was born in Kokomo, Indiana on March 21, 1935 to Donald and Julia Huston.

She graduated from Kokomo High School in 1952 and earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from Indiana University, Bloomington. She later received her Masters of Science Degree from Butler University.

She met the love of her life, Richard (Dick) Cardwell, at age 11 in Kokomo. She and Dick were junior high, high school and college sweethearts. They were married December 26, 1953 in Kokomo, IN and later welcomed their 4 children: Jeff Cardwell, Kokomo; David (Linda) Cardwell, Laguna Niguel, CA; Joel Cardwell, Charleston, SC; and Julie (George) Kitcoff, Indianapolis. Last December they celebrated 63 years of marriage, a union that was filled with love, laughter, adventure and fun, but most of all an undying commitment to each other. They set the bar high for us all with their love story.

“Shasha”, as she was lovingly known to her 11 grandchildren, was extremely active in their lives. Rick (Rachel) Cardwell, Bill (Alli) Cardwell, Christy Cardwell, Becca Cardwell, Jennifer (Brian) Karsbaek, Jillian Cardwell, Bryon Stone, Betsy Cardwell, Sarah (Oakes) Bourne, Nick Kitcoff and Grant Kitcoff. She was also blessed by 10 great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Richard (Dick) Cardwell, her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sister Judy (Gary) Gloster of Blowing Rock, NC, Brother-in-law and Sister-in-law, John and Pat Cardwell of Northridge, CA, and Sister-in-law Joyce Huston of Kokomo, IN and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, David Huston and Corwin Huston.

Marcia taught school in her early career but later enjoyed over 25 years as owner of Marcia Cardwell & Associates, where she conducted estate and moving sales in Marion and surrounding counties.

She and Dick traveled extensively. They visited 49 states (she’s still mad she didn’t make it to Delaware), the last of which was Alaska in May 2016. They also traveled to Ireland, Scotland, England, Italy, Brazil and the Amazon Rainforest. They had just returned from 2 weeks in California

She was a member of the Indianapolis Museum of Art (past secretary and VP of Alliance Board), Co-Chair for the Better than New Shop where she served for 25 years, Psi Iota Xi, Alpha Chi Omega, Westside Homemakers for over 60 years, and the Country Club of Indianapolis for over 40 years. She was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and was active in the card making group and prayer group. She enjoyed playing golf and traveled with her husband to play many of the best courses in the country. For many years, she walked 3 miles a day each morning at Eagle Creek Park with friends.

She was an avid competitor playing Words with Friends ferociously to all those who challenged her or would accept her challenge. She loved crossword puzzles, a great glass of red wine, orchids, antiques & collectibles and spending time at her grandchildren’s events, but her greatest joy was her family. She will be dearly missed.

Services will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 62nd and Meridian, at 1:00 on Friday, March 17th with a calling on Thursday, March 16th from 5-7 in the church Parish Center. She will be interred in the Columbarium on the church grounds. A reception will be held immediately following in the Lilly room at the church. Flowers are welcomed and some will be donated to Random Acts of Flowers after the service. They will then repurpose the flowers and deliver them to patients at IU Health Hospitals in her honor.